Countdown of Africa’s top sporting figures (15 11)

15 Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast, football Awesome, dominant Premier League striker with a fascinating World Cup summer ahead of him, but do not forget the hospital. Charitable foundations and football academies are the latest fashion items among football’s wealthy and while there are some whose contributions are a magnet for cynicism, there are others such as Drogba who attract only respect. He launched his foundation two years ago, has just pumped £3 million into it and is working on Roman Abramovich’s pocket, too; the result, intended for the end of this year, will be a hospital and orphanage with 150-200 beds back home in Ivory Coast.